The iPhone SE was unveiled at Apple’s product event in March 2016, and it has captured the attention of the smartphone industry since its debut. In addition to having a noticeably smaller, 4-inch display screen, the SE also has several differences in terms of its camera and capture abilities, compared to its predecessors. Here are some of the changes that you may notice if you purchase an iPhone SE, as well as a few of the features that Apple kept this time around.

It’s a Smaller Phone

This might not be a big deal at first, but if you have large hands, it can be challenging to hold the device and keep it still while capturing an image. In short, there isn’t much surface area to hold onto while you’re taking a picture, so you’ll need to be especially quick (or steady) to get the perfect shot.

Selfies Might Be a Problem

Most notably, the iPhone SE’s front-facing camera has the iPhone 5’s old 1.2-megapixel shooter with a ƒ/2.4 aperture. The iPhone 6S notably has a ƒ/2.2 aperture and 5-megapixel shooter, and its quality is arguably better. If you aren’t big into selfies, this may not be a big deal breaker for you, but it’s something to keep in mind.

Your Favorite Bonus Features are Still Around

Features such as Face Detection, Exposure Control, and Burst Mode are still available on the iPhone SE. Photo geotagging, timer mode, and auto image stabilization are also a part of this phone’s camera.

There is No Optical Image Stabilization

Most phones these days have optical image stabilization, and for good reason. OIS reduces the odds of taking a blurry photo – the camera lens compensates for device movement. While OIS doesn’t necessarily prevent motion blur, it can still be helpful for those who lack a steady hand. The new iPhone SE lacks OIS, which is something to note before buying.

You’ll Still Get 12-Megapixels

Luckily, Apple decided to keep the 12-megapixel camera as a part of the new iPhone SE camera. This camera debuted on the iPhone 6S and iPhone 6S Plus, and it’s notably missing from earlier models (The iPhone 6, for example, has an 8-megapixel camera).

The Camera is Flush with the Phone’s Body

If you’re constantly afraid of scratching the surface of your phone’s lens, this change is likely a big one for you. The camera of the iPhone SE does not bump out, but rather runs flush with the body of the device. This means that when you set down your phone on a hard surface, you don’t have to worry about it scratching if it’s moved around.

The A9 Chip Allows for Better Image Processing

Similar to the iPhone 6S Plus and iPhone 6S, the iPhone SE has an A9 chip with 64-bit architecture. It allows for better image processing, which can come in handy when you’re shooting in low lighting, for example.

Although the iPhone SE is smaller, don’t rule out its power when it comes to photography. Sometimes, the best things come in little packages.

What do you think about the new iPhone SE? Leave your answer in the comments below.

Krystle Vermes

Krystle Vermes is a professional writer, blogger and podcaster with a background in online and print journalism. Passions include everything tech, sports, and the paranormal. When she isn’t freelance reporting, she’s running her paranormal blog, GetSpooked.net. Krystle is a graduate of Suffolk University and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Print Journalism.